Vanity mirror or vehicle accessory assembly and mounting apparatus therefor

Abstract

 A vehicle seat assembly is disclosed comprising a seat (411) having front and rear sides, a head restraint (410), and head restraint mounting means (424) for interconnecting the head restraint to the seat. A vehicle accessory assembly, for example a mirror (413), or a mirror and light assembly (412), has mounting means (426) connected with, and retained by, the head restraint mounting means (424) to retain and support the accessory assembly on one of the sides of the seat.

Description

BACKGROUND AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates generally to mirror assemblies, mirror and light assemblies, and various other accessory assemblies, and more particularly to apparatus for mounting such assemblies on a seat assembly for a vehicle or other such device.

[0002] Automotive vehicle sunvisors having lighted vanity mirrors for forward seat passengers are known in the art. Such mirrors are normally located on the side of the visor facing the passenger when in lowered position and may be adjusted to the desired reflecting angle through adjustment of the visor, the angle of the mirror relative to the visor being fixed. These mirrors, as well as various lights and other vehicle accessories, are frequently provided for the comfort and convenience of forward seat passengers.

[0003] In general, no similar vanity mirrors or other such accessories have been available for the convenience of rear seat passengers. Also, the only lights generally available for rear seat passengers for reading or the like while the vehicle is underway have been located in the header of the roof, or in some cases in side pillars of the vehicle. Such lights, if shining while the vehicle is underway, can be distracting to the driver and can possibly impair his clear vision of outside traffic conditions, particularly at night.

[0004] In EP-A-0 187 779 we provide a vanity mirror and map or reading light arrangement which overcomes the aforementioned disadvantages of prior arrangements. The invention of EP-A-0 187 779 resides in the provision of a mirror assembly, or a mirror and light or other accessory assembly, which is mounted so as to be disposed generally on the rear side of one or both of the front vehicle seat assemblies, either on the seat portion or on the head restraint portion thereof.

[0005] Front seat head restraints, or head rests, whether integrated or separate from the seat, have now become safety mandated standard equipment in order to protect passengers against neck injuries resulting from sudden vehicle acceleration caused by rear end collisions. Such head restraints are normally in close alignment with the forward vision or rear seat passengers. This has been discovered to provide an excellent location for a vanity mirror or other vehicle accessories for use by a rear seat passenger, except that most head restraints, unlike sunvisors, have a relatively fixed position so as not easily accommodate adjustment of mirror angle. However, conventional head restraints do have a substantial depth, relatively greater than the thickness of a sunvisor, and this has been found to be sufficient to accommodate a pivotal mounting for the mirror within the headrest.

[0006] Typically, many vehicle seat assemblies having such head restraints include one or more head restraint mounting members or apparatuses that interconnect and support the head restraints relative to the seat, either in a fixed, or in a generally vertically adjustable, relationship therewith. Whether such head restraint mounting apparatuses support the head restraints in positions spaced apart from the seats, or in contact or engagement with the seats, they have been discovered to provide a suitable and convenient structure to which a mirror assembly, a mirror and light assembly, or other vehicle accessory assembly can be anchored and retained, usually with little or no modification to the seat assembly. Thus, the present invention provides for mounting apparatus for connecting such assemblies to such head restraint mounting apparatus in order to support the assemblies generally either on the rear side of the seat, or on the rear side of the head restraint. Among other advantages, such an arrangement allows a vehicle manufacturer to offer such assemblies as either standard equipment or as optional equipment on a particular vehicle, usually without the necessity of manufacturing and providing different seat or head restraints components of the seat assembly.

[0007] Furthermore, the provision of side lights on the mirror combined with a suitable pivoting action has also been found to provide a convenient supplemental reading or map light for the rear passengers which, in fact, may take the place of and obviate the necessity for a conventional overhead header or pillar light, with its attendant disadvantages.

[0008] Additional objects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from a reading of the detailed description of the preferred embodiments, which make reference to the following set of drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0009] 

Figure 1 is a partial perspective view of the rear side of a head restraint and vehicle seat incorporating an exemplary embodiment of a vanity mirror and light assembly and associated mounting apparatus according to the present invention.

Figure 2 is a partial cross-sectional view taken generally along lines 2-2 of Figure 1.

Figure 3 is a partial perspective view, similar to that of Figure 1, but illustrating another embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 4 is a another partial perspective view, similar to that of Figure 1, but illustrating still another embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 5 is a partial cross-sectional view taken generally along lines 5-5 of Figure 4.

Figures 6 and 7 are partial perspective views of two additional exemplary embodiments employing the principles of the present invention for mounting other vehicle accessories on a vehicle seat assembly.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0010] It should be noted that in the various embodiments of the invention illustrated herein, the head restraint can be either fixed with respect to the seat, or selectively movable relative to the seat in order to selectively adjust or alter its vertical position relative to the seat.

[0011] Figures 1 through 7 illustrate various embodiments of seat assemblies generally similar to those shown in Figures 1 through 12 of EP-A-0 187 779 but having a mounting apparatus for a mirror, a mirror and light, or other vehicle accessory assembly, operably connected with, and retained by, an apparatus for mounting and interconnecting a head restraint with a vehicle seat. In Figure 1, a head restraint 410 is mounted on the top of a vehicle front seat 411, and the vehicle seat assembly incorporates an exemplary lighted vanity mirror assembly 412 thereon. The mirror assembly 412 includes a receptacle 422, in which a mirror housing 420 supports a mirror 413, one or more side lights 414, and preferably a cover 416, which are generally similar to the corresponding elements described in connection with Figures 1 through 12 of EP-A-0 187 779. Because many of the elements of the embodiments in Figures 1 through 7 correspond either structurally or functionally to similar elements in Figures 1 through 12 of EP-A-0 187 779, such elements of Figures 1 through 7 of the accompanying drawings are indicated by reference numerals 300 higher than the corresponding elements of Figures 1 through 3 of EP-A-­0 187 779.

[0012] In Figures 1 and 2, of the accompanying drawings head restraint mounting arms 424 are provided for mounting and supporting head restraint 410 on vehicle seat 411. Head restraint 410 can be supported in a fixed vertical position relative to seat 411, or seat 411 can optionally include appropriate receptacles 431 (shown in Figure 2) for slidably receiving mounting arms 424 in order to allow the vertical position of head restraint 410 to be selectively adjusted or altered.

[0013] Mirror and light assembly 412 includes a mounting plate 426, which is preferably fixedly attached to, or integrally formed with, receptacle 422. Mounting plate 426 includes openings 427 for receiving mounting arms 424 extending therethrough for mounting and retaining mirror and light assembly 412 on vehicle seat 411. In such an arrangement, mounting plate 426 rests generally flatly on top of vehicle seat 411, with mirror and light assembly 412 being correspondingly disposed and supported on the rear side of vehicle seat 411 and being retained in such position by the interconnection of mounting plate 426 and head restraint mounting arms 424.

[0014] As shown in Figure 2, mounting plate 426 preferably includes a recessed portion 428 for receiving one or more electrical power leads 423, which electrically interconnect a vehicle power source with side lights 414. Electrical power leads 423 can be received and at least partially housed within a groove or other recessed portion 433 formed in mounting arms 424 in order to allow power leads 423 to be routed through vehicle seat 411 to the mirror and light assembly 412. In one variation of the present invention wherein head restraint 410 and mounting arms 424 are vertically movable in order to allow for selective adjustment of the vertical position of head restraint 410, such grooves or recessed portions 433 can be sized and configured to slidably engage power leads 423 as head restraint 410 and mounting arms 424 are raised or lowered within receptacles 431 in vehicle seat 411. Alternatively, as discussed below, such electrical power leads 423 can be optionally housed within the typically cylindrical tubular and hollow mounting arms 424 in embodiments of the invention wherein such vertical adjustability of head restraint 410 is not required.

[0015] It should be noted that although mirror and light receptacle 422 and mounting plate 426 are illustrated in Figures 1 and 2 as merely resting against the rear side and top of vehicle seat 411, respectively, such components can optionally be releasably or fixedly attached to vehicle seat 411 by hook-and-loop fastener devices, or by other suitable fastening apparatus known to those skilled in the art.

[0016] Figure 3 illustrates another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, which is generally similar to that discussed above and shown in Figures 1 and 2, except that the pair of preferably cylindrical and hollow mounting arms 424 are replaced by a single mounting arm 424a, which it typically rectangular in lateral cross-section. In order to provide the above-­discussed retention and support of mirror and light assembly 412a in Figure 3 is correspondingly provided with a single, generally rectangular opening 427a. In all other respects, the exemplary arrangement depicted in Figure 3 is substantially similar to that of Figures 1 and 2, and is adaptable in embodiments of the present invention wherein head restraint 410a is either fixedly supported and interconnected with vehicle seat 411a or vertically adjustable relative thereto.

[0017] Figures 4 and 5 illustrate still another optional, exemplary variation on the present invention for a vehicle seat assembly generally similar to those described and illustrated in connection with Figures 1 through 3, except that mirror and light assembly 412b is positioned and received within an opening or relieved portion 409b in head restraint 410b. In such an optional embodiment, mirror and light assembly 412b includes a mounting plate 426b, which is fixedly attached to, or integrally formed with, receptacle 422b. Mounting plate 426b in Figures 4 and 5, includes outwardly-extending proportions 435b, which have openings 427b for receiving head restraint mounting arms 424b therethrough. By such an arrangement, mirror and light assembly 412b is supported and retained by the interconnection between the mounting plate 426b and the mounting arms 424b in a generally upwardly-extending position relative to the top of vehicle seat 411b when installed thereon. If deemed necessary or desirable in a particular installation, mounting plate 426b can be attached to the bottom of head restraint 410b by a fastener 429, as shown in Figure 5, or by other suitable fastening apparatus known to those skilled in the art.

[0018] Because mounting plate 426b supports mirror and light assembly 412b in the above-described position extending upwardly into the opening or relieved portion 409b of head restraint 410b, one or more power leads 423b can be routed through the typically cylindrical and hollow mounting arms 424b and through the recessed portion 428b in mounting plate 426b for providing electrical interconnection of side lights 414b with a vehicle power source. Such an arrangement can be employed in the embodiment shown in Figures 4 and 5, regardless of whether head restraint 410b and mounting arms 424b are fixed relative to vehicle seat 411b or vertically movable in order to provide for selective adjustment of the vertical position of head restraint 410 b. Alternately, mirror and light assembly 412b, as well as any of the other mirror, light or other assemblies discussed herein and shown in the drawings, can optionally be provided with a replaceable electrical battery or other internal power source in order to avoid the necessity for routing electrical power leads through the vehicle seat.

[0019] Figures 6 and 7 depict further exemplary embodiments of the present invention for purposes merely illustrating the wide variety of applications in which the principles of the present invention can advantageously be employed. In Figure 6, for example, an accessory assembly 412c is generally similar to the exemplary mirror and light assemblies 412 through 412b discussed above in connection with Figures 1 through 5, except that the mirror and lights are replaced by a television or video monitor and receiving device 435c. Video device 435c can be provided for the convenience and entertainment of rear seat passengers and can optionally be accompanied by a video game apparatus 437c, or other such accessories. Video device 435c, and optional game apparatus 437c, are selectively operable by way of suitable controls 439c and are installed in accessory assembly 412c, which is retained and supported on the rear side of seat 411c by a connection between mounting plate 426c and mounting arms 424c in an arrangement similar to that discussed above and shown in Figures 1 through 3.

[0020] Figure 7 depicts an exemplary rear seat vehicle accessory assembly 412d, which is generally similar to accessory assembly 412c, described above, and is mounted in a similar manner on vehicle seat 411d by a mounting plate 426d connected to mounting arms 424d. Rather than the video monitor and game equipment shown for purposes of illustration in Figure 6, however, exemplary accessory assembly 412d includes audio apparatus 441d, which in turn can optionally include such equipment as audio speaker 443d, a cassette, a compact disc player, or other audio equipment indicated diagrammatically by reference numeral 445d, and stereo AM/FM receiver 447d, for example. Like the video equipment discussed above, the audio equipment shown for purposes of illustration in Figure 7 can be provided for the convenience and entertainment of rear seat vehicle passengers and accordingly includes appropriate controls indicated generally by reference numeral 439d.

[0021] From the foregoing discussion, and the illustrations shown in Figures 1 through 7, one skilled in the art will now readily recognize that the mounting arrangements shown in Figures 1 through 7 can be employed for mounting any of a number of accessory assemblies on a vehicle seat assembly, in either a generally downwardly-depending position as shown in Figures 1 through 3, 6 and 7, or in a generally upwardly-extending disposition as shown in Figures 4 and 5.

[0022] Although it is not shown specifically in the drawings, one skilled in the art will now recognize that any of the mounting plates shown in Figures 1 through 7 for mirror, light, or other vehicle accessory assemblies can optionally be provided with narrow openings or slots communicating the respective openings 427 through 427d with a peripheral edge of the respective mounting plates in order to allow the respective mounting plates to be snapped onto the respective head restraint mounting arms, or otherwise retained thereon, without removing the head restraint from the vehicle seat. Such as arrangement can be advantageously provided for aftermarket or dealer-­installed mirror, light, or other accessory assemblies, for example. It should further be noted that many of the various features and optional components shown in EP-A-0 187 779 can also be incorporated in the embodiments of the present invention illustrated in Figures 1 through 7. Likewise, the various mounting arrangements illustrated in Figures 1 through 7 of the accompanying drawings can also be incorporated in the appropriate embodiments illustrated in Figures 1 through 12 of EP-A-0 187 779.

[0023] The mounting arrangements for the mirror, light, and other accessory assemblies discussed above provide for a relatively simple and convenient installation of such assemblies on the rear side of front vehicle seats, either as standard vehicle equipment or as optional equipment, with little or no changes or modifications being required in the vehicle seat assemblies. Furthermore, servicing or replacement of such assemblies can be conventionally and easily accomplished by merely removing the associated head restraints and head restraint mounting arms in order to release the assemblies from their associated vehicle seats.

[0024] The foregoing discussion discloses and describes exemplary embodiments of the present invention. One skilled in the art will readily recognize from such discussion, and from the accompanying drawings, that various changes, modifications and variations may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined in the following claims.

Claims

1. In a seat assembly for a vehicle, including a seat (411) having front and rear sides, a head restraint (410), and head restraint mounting means (424) for interconnecting said head restraint with said seat, the improvement comprising: a vehicle accessory assembly including a vehicle accessory thereon (412) and an accessory assembly mounting means (426) for mounting said accessory assembly on the seat assembly, characterised in that said accessory assembly mounting means (426) is connected with, and retained by, the head restraint mounting means (424) in order to retain and support said accessory assembly on one of the sides of the seat.

2. The improvement according to Claim 1, characterised in that said accessory assembly mounting means is connected with, and retained by, the head restraint mounting means at a position generally between the seat and the head restraint.

3. The improvement according to Claim 2, characterised in that said accessory assembly mounting means and the head restraint mounting means support said accessory assembly in a generally downwardly-­suspended disposition relative to the top of the seat when said mirror assembly is mounted thereon, said accessory assembly mounting means being the sole means for retaining said accessory assembly to the seat assembly.

4. The improvement according to Claim 2, characterised in that said accessory assembly mounting means and the head restraint mounting means support said accessory assembly in a generally upwardly-­extending disposition relative to the top of the seat when said accessory assembly is installed thereon.

5. The improvement according to Claim 1, characterised in that the head restraint mounting means includes at least one mounting arm supportingly interconnecting the head restraint with the seat, said accessory assembly mounting means including at least one opening extending therethrough for receiving said mounting arm extending therethrough in order to connect said accessory assembly with said mounting arm and to retain said accessory assembly on the seat assembly.

6. The improvement according to Claim 5, characterised in that said accessory assembly mounting means includes a plate member having said opening extending therethrough, said plate member being fixed to said accessory assembly.

7. The improvement according to Claim 6, characterised in that said accessory assembly includes an accessory receptacle means for receiving and supporting said accessory thereon, said plate member being integrally formed with said accessory receptacle means.

8. The improvement according to Claim 6, characterised in that the head restraint mounting means includes a number of said mounting arms, and said plate member includes a corresponding number of said openings extending therethrough.

9. The improvement according to Claim 5, characterised in that the head restraint and said mounting arm are movable with respect to the seat in order to selectively adjust the vertical position of the head restraint relative to the seat assembly, said mounting arm being slidably received in said opening in said portion of said accessory assembly mounting means for movement of the head restraint and said mounting arm relative thereto.

10. The improvement according to Claim 9, characterised in that said opening in said accessory assembly mounting means is disposed generally between the seat and the head restraint, said accessory assembly mounting means and the head restraint mounting means supporting said accessory assembly in a generally downwardly-suspended position relative to the top of the seat when said accessory assembly is mounted thereon, said accessory assembly mounting means being the sole means for retaining said accessory assembly to the seat assembly.

11. The improvement according to Claim 5, characterised in that said opening in said accessory assembly mounting means is disposed generally between the seat and the head restraint, said accessory assembly mounting means and the head restraint mounting means supporting said accessory assembly in a generally upwardly-extending disposition relative to the top of the seat when said accessory assembly is installed thereon.

12. The improvement according to any preceding claim, characterised in that the head restraint is movable with respect to the seat in order to selectively adjust the vertical position of the head restraint relative to the seat assembly, said accessory assembly being retained for movement with the head restraint with respect to the seat.

13. The improvement according to any preceding claim characterised in that said accessory comprises a mirror.

14. The improvement according to any of Claims 1 to 12, characterised in that said accessory comprises a light.

15. The improvement according to any of Claims 1 to 12, characterised in that said accessory comprises a mirror and a light thereon.

16. The improvement according to Claim 14, or Claim 15, characterised in that the vehicle includes a power source, said seat assembly further comprising power lead means for operably interconnecting said light with said power source, at least a portion of said power lead means extending generally along the head restraint mounting means, the head restraint mounting means including means for at least partially housing said power lead means.

17. The improvement according to Claim 16, characterised in that said light assembly mounting means includes a recessed portion for receiving said power lead means therein.

18. The improvement according to Claim 16, characterised in that said mirror and light assembly mounting mans includes means for receiving and at least partially housing said power lead means therein.

19. The improvement according to Claim 15, characterised in that the head restraint mounting means includes at least one mounting arm supportingly interconnecting the head restraint with the seat, said mirror and light assembly mounting means including at least one plate member fixed to said mirror and light assembly and having at least one opening extending therethrough for receiving said mounting arm extending therethrough in order to connect said mirror and light assembly with said mounting arm and to retain said mirror and light assembly on the seat assembly.

20. The improvement according to Claim 19, characterised in that said mirror and light assembly are supported by said plate and said mounting arm in a generally upwardly-extending disposition relative to the top of the seat when the mirror and light assembly is mounted on the seat assembly, the head restraint including an open portion therein for receiving said mirror and light assembly extending thereinto.

21. The improvement according to Claim 20, characterised in that said head restraint and said mirror and light assembly are movable together with respect to the seat.

22. The improvement according to Claim 15, characterised in that said mirror and light assembly further includes a cover for said mirror and light, said mirror and said light being pivotally connected to said mirror and light assembly for pivotal movement relative thereto about a first axis, said cover being pivotally interconnected to said mirror and light assembly, for pivotal movement relative thereto about a second axis between a first closed portion substantially covering said mirror and light and a second position wherein said mirror and light are not covered.

23. The improvement according to Claim 21, characterised in that said first and second axes are both generally horizontal.

Drawing